• In general, alloys have metallic properties • An alloy can be formed by combination of metal with another metal or metal with non- metal. • Alloy can have various phases at different temperature and pressure. SOLID SOLUTIONS A solution can be defined as a homogeneous mixture in which the atoms or molecules of one substances are dispersed at random in to another substance. – Solute: A solute is the minor part of the solution or the material which is dissolved. – Solvent: Solvent constitutes the major portion of the solution. – A solid solution is formed when the solute atoms are added to the host material (solvent), without changing the existing crystal structure. LATTICE A regular geometrical arrangement of points or objects over an area or in space. HUME ROTHERY’S RULES • The atomic radii of the solute and solvent atoms must differ by no more than 15% • The crystal structures of solute and solvent must match. • Maximum solubility occurs when the solvent and solute have the same valence. • The solute and solvent should have similar electronegativity. POSSIBILITIES OF SOLID SOLUTIONS • Unsaturated Solid Solutions • Saturated Solid Solutions • Supersaturated Solid Solutions TYPES OF SOLID SOLUTIONS • Substitutional solid solutions – Random – Ordered • Interstitial solid solutions SUBSTITUTIONAL SOLID SOLUTIONS • When the atoms of solute substitute for the atoms of the solvent in its lattice, the solution is known as Substitutional solid solution. • The solute may incorporate in to the solvent crystal lattice substitutionally by replacing a solvent particle in the lattice. RANDOM AND ORDERED SOLID SOLUTION INTERSTITIAL SOLID SOLUTIONS Interstitial solid solutions are those in which the solute atoms occupy the interstitial positions (holes between the atoms in the crystal lattice of the solute). Interstitial solid solutions always have limited solubility of the solute. PHASE DIAGRAM • Phase diagrams are graphical representations of what phases are present in a materials system at various temperatures, pressures and compositions. • Actually phase diagram is a map showing the structures or phases present as the temperature and overall composition of the material are varied. • It is also called as equilibrium diagrams or constitutional diagrams. WHY SHOULD PHASE DIAGRAM BE STUDIED? • What condition is the material in? • Is the composition uniform through out? If not, how much of each component is present? • Is something present that may give undesired properties? • What will happen if temperature is increased or decreased; pressure is changed; or composition is varied? INFORMATION FROM PHASE DIAGRAM
• To show what phases are present at different
compositions and temperatures under equilibrium conditions. • To indicate the equilibrium solid solubility of one element in another element. • To indicate the temperature range over which solidification of a material occurs. • To indicate the temperature at which different phases start to melt.